Weights & Measures

Weights & Measures Overview

• Focus on various units of measurement used in the US Customary and Metric systems.

Units of Measurement

US Customary System

• Weight:

  • Pounds (lbs)

  • Ounces (oz)

• Length:

  • Inches (in)

  • Feet (ft)

  • Yards (yd)

• Liquids:

  • Fluid Ounces (oz)

  • Pints (pt)

  • Quarts (qt)

  • Gallons (gal)

Metric System

• Weight:

  • Milligram (mg)

  • Gram (g)

  • Kilogram (kg)

• Length:

  • Millimeter (mm)

  • Centimeter (cm)

  • Meter (m)

  • Kilometer (km)

• Liquid:

  • Milliliter (ml)

  • Liter (L)

• Note:

  • ml is equivalent to cc (cubic centimeters).

Comparison of Measurement Systems

• US/Houshold:

  • Weight: lbs

  • Length: in, ft

  • Liquid: oz

• Metric:

  • Weight: kg

  • Length: cm, mm

  • Liquid: ml (cc)

Measuring Equipment

Liquid Measurement

• Equipment:

  • Graduated cylinders for precise volume

  • Conversion:

    • 30 ml = 1 oz

General Measurement Tools

• Weight:

  • Pound (#, lb)

• Length Measuring Tools:

  • Tape measure

  • Standing scale with measurement markings for metric/household

  • Scales for both lbs & kg

Types of Scales

Standing Scale

• For residents who can stand unassisted, must be stable on their feet.

• Balance scale needs to be zeroed before usage.

Wheelchair and Other Scales

• Wheelchair Scale:

  • Mechanical lift/Hoyer lift for mobility.

  • Keep hooks turned away from resident, open base widely.

• Bed Scale:

  • Specific for measuring weight while in bed.

• Chair Scale:

  • Designed for those unable to stand.

Common Conversions

Volume Conversions

• 1 oz = 30 cc/ml

• 4 oz = 120 ml

• 8 oz = 240 ml

• 2 cups = 1 pt = 500 ml

• 1 qt = 1000 ml = 1 L

• 4 qt = 1 gal = 16 cups

• 1 cc = 1 ml

Weight Conversions

• 2.2 lb = 1 kg

• 1 lb = 16 oz

• 1000 g = 1 kg

Length Conversions

• 1 in = 2.5 cm

• 12 in = 1 ft

• 3 ft = 1 yd = 36 in

Procedures for Measurement

Liquid Volume Measurement

1. Pour liquid into a graduated container.

2. Place on a flat surface.

3. Read measurement at eye level.

4. Record measurement at the lowest level of liquid surface in ml.

Length Measurement

• When using upright scale:

  • If unable to stand, measure from head to heel in segments for accuracy (least accurate).

  • Use measuring tape for segments; record height from top of head to tailbone, hip to knee, and knee to heel.

Measuring Weight

• Residents should wear light clothing or hospital gowns.

• Encourage toilet use before weighing.

• Weigh at the same time each day for accuracy.

• Always zero the scale before use.

• Assist the resident onto the scale and record the measurement to the nearest .25 lbs.

• Assist the resident off the scale after weighing.

Time Notations

Standard Time

• Uses a 12-hour clock system:

  • AM: after midnight to noon.

  • PM: noon to prior to midnight.

Military Time

• Utilizes a 24-hour clock without colons or AM/PM:

  • Example: 1230 for 12:30 PM.

Military Time Chart